The Chagos Archipelago, situated in the Indian Ocean, has long been at the center of a territorial dispute between Mauritius and the United Kingdom. Although Mauritius gained independence in 1968, the UK retained control over the islands, leading to decades of diplomatic tensions. Recent developments have seen the UK formally acknowledge Mauritius’ claims over the archipelago, yet key concerns remain—particularly regarding Diego Garcia, which hosts a strategic military base.
Historical Background
The Chagos Archipelago consists of over 60 islands, with Diego Garcia being the largest. Originally uninhabited, the archipelago saw its first permanent settlements in the 18th century. The French laid claim to the islands in the 1700s, but British control was established following the Napoleonic Wars. Over time, the islands were used for plantations, heavily relying on slave and indentured labor.
Creation of the British Indian Ocean Territory
In 1965, the UK formed the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), which included the Chagos Archipelago. This move was part of a broader strategy to maintain a military presence in the Indian Ocean during the Cold War. As part of the agreement, the UK paid Mauritius £3 million for the detachment of Chagos, a decision that remains contentious to this day.
Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia
The United States established a military base on Diego Garcia in the 1970s, leading to the forced expulsion of the indigenous Chagossian population, who were relocated to Mauritius and Seychelles. By 1986, the base was fully operational, playing a crucial role in US military operations, particularly in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region.
International Legal Challenges
Mauritius has long contested British control over Chagos. In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the legal status of the islands. In 2019, the ICJ ruled that the UK must end its administration of Chagos. Following this, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for the UK’s withdrawal.
Recent Developments
In 2024, the UK and Mauritius reached a historic agreement recognizing Mauritius’ sovereignty over Chagos while permitting the UK to maintain control over Diego Garcia for 99 years. However, this agreement has sparked controversy, particularly among the Chagossians, who feel excluded from discussions about their future and potential resettlement.
Geopolitical Concerns and Future Prospects
The agreement has raised concerns over China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean, especially as Mauritius strengthens economic and strategic ties with Beijing. Critics argue that the deal could shift the region’s power dynamics. Meanwhile, the future of the displaced Chagossian community remains uncertain, with ongoing debates about resettlement and compensation.
As diplomatic negotiations continue, the Chagos Archipelago remains a symbol of colonial legacy, military strategy, and unresolved historical grievances. The world will closely watch how this agreement shapes regional stability and the fate of the Chagossian people.